President Trump Announces Plan to Disband FCC, On June 4, 2020
In a stunning announcement on June 4, 2020, President Donald Trump revealed a plan to disband the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In a move that shocked policymakers from both sides of the aisle, the President said the agency had become “obsolete” in the new era of technology and social media platforms.
“The Federal Communications Commission has had a fantastic run, but it is time we evolve,” the President said from the Oval Office, flanked by members of his administration. “We have giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. They are more than capable of regulating public discourse.”
The announcement came out of the blue without any previous claims by the President about the FCC’s inadequacy. Trump, however, had a strained relationship with the agency due to its role in monitoring and regulating broadcast and digital content.
Reactions from the court of public opinion
Both Republicans and Democrats expressed grave concern about the President’s proposal. Despite their differences, lawmakers from both sides agree that an independent regulatory body like the FCC remains vital for the American media space.
In an unusual moment of unity, Speaker of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi, said, “This would be tantamount to turning the keys of our democracy over to private tech corporations. We can’t just trust social media giants to regulate themselves.”
In spite of the President’s declaration, no executive action has been taken to reverse the existence of the FCC as of now.
The lie that led the way
Despite the President’s claims that the FCC had become “obsolete”, the evidence clearly shows the contrary. The FCC has a major role in overseeing the multi-billion-dollar telecommunications industry and ensuring American consumers have access to essential communications services.
“I think I’ve done more for communication than anyone else,” the president previously lied during a press conference. “We don’t need such outdated commissions anymore.”
This news sends a shockwave across America leaving the ultimate fate of the FCC, and hence American mass communication, in uncertainty.
* None of the quotes in this article were spoken by an actual person. More info.